Currently we are considering our options to build. Looking at house plans, having our home designed by an architect, or trying to do it ourselves, there’s a lot of options just in there. Then we can go with a builder, get a kit home, or owner build (self build). After that there’s still a heap of other options within those choices… It’s never-ending!

We have always wanted an efficient home – a sustainable design, passive solar and passive cooling – the simplest way to create an efficient home. In Australia this starts with North facing windows, to allow the home to warm up during the winter, and strategically placed windows, doors and hallways in the house to allow cooling breezes to keep the home cool in the summer. I have quickly learned that this cannot be done properly by using a builder with set house plans. The design must suit the property.

So you’re left with either designing the home yourself, or if you’re not comfortable doing that, seeing an architect.

You also need to decide on what materials you would like your house made from. We are personally trying to build a green home, so we are choosing strawbale for the external walls. Strawbale houses are incredibly efficient, with very high insulation properties. Taken from “House of Bales“:

In winter, the sun and combustion heater keeps the house at a very comfortable temperature. In summer during 40+ degree heat waves the hottest the house got was 27 degrees.

Aside from the strawbales, we would like a concrete slab for thermal mass. This is a tough choice, as concrete production creates a large amount of carbon dioxide, however over time, a house built with concrete will save a lot of carbon dioxide production. To add to this thermal mass, we hope to use rammed earth walls within the design of the home too.

Then you have the smaller options along the way. These options can make big differences in the final comfort of the home. For example, using timber window frames can help keep the house warmer in winter. These should not be overlooked, as the price for a better solution is not often far from the price of the “standard” option.

Building an eco house takes time, lots of effort, and usually a huge amount of research on the owners’ behalf, but what more of a rewarding way could there be to build a house?

Post from: r0dman.com

Building a sustainable home